1. Raise brand awareness

One of the best ways to “get your name out there” is to do it quite literally; a promotional gift with your company’s logo and name is a great way to raise awareness about your business.Brand awareness is all about building associations. A gift helps potential customers to associate your brand with something positive, whether it’s something useful or just an attractive decoration. It makes a solid impression in your prospect’s mind, which also makes your brand easier to remember. In a 2003 study of trade show attendees, for example, 62.6% of attendees said they had received a promotional product, and 71.6% of those responders remembered the name of the company that gave it to them.

2. Save money

Not only is a business gift a thoughtful token; it can help to advertise your company at a lower price than many other methods. Corporate gifts are among the most cost-effective means of promotion. A 2008 study revealed that the average cost per impression for promotional products was $0.004.For comparison, prime time TV and newspaper ads both cost $0.019 per impression. That means that business gifts give you almost 5 times more bang for your buck.

3. Improve image and perception

A promotional gift helps to enhance a prospect’s opinion of you and your company. This was shown in a Georgia State University study where people who had received a promotional product were more likely to have a positive perception of the company.Even outside of the business world, a gift is an iconic symbol of goodwill. It only makes sense that corporate gifts would increase customer goodwill and improve the overall attitude of prospects.

4. Generate leads

Promotional products can help to inspire curiosity and interest in your company. It’s not unusual for customers to be more receptive to a business that gives them a free gift. These gifts might even be used as an incentive to sign up for a newsletter or visit a website.A 1998 study at Wayne State University showed that intent to buy was 10 to 20% higher for customers who received a promotional product. It definitely appears that corporate gifts are an effective way to attract new leads.

5. Increase sales

Naturally, with greater customer goodwill and brand awareness comes more sales. A study conducted by Southern Methodist University suggests that customers who receive a promotional product tend to spend more on products or services from the company that gave it.Think of business gifts as a form of added value. Customers who feel that a company is giving them greater value for their money are ultimately likely to spend more.

6. Maintain customer loyalty

That same Southern Methodist University study suggests that when you give customers business gifts, they’re more likely to reorder faster and more often.Giving someone a promotional product helps to encourage repeat business; it’s a great way to remind them that their patronage is important to you.

7. Generate referrals

Sometimes your own customers can be a great source of new leads. Promotional products are a great way of encouraging lead generation, but rather than just including a free gift with your referral request, consider offering it as an incentive. In one case study, a letter that offered a promotional gift as an incentive for referrals was 500% more likely to receive a response than a simple letter asking for referrals. Comparatively, the letters that included a free gift in the actual mailing didn’t receive a single response.

8. Develop employee relations

Corporate gifts can improve the attitude of employees as well as customers. Awards, plaques and other corporate gifts are an effective way to reward good work and thank employees for their dedication. One survey by Baylor University showed that employees are motivated to work hard to win awards and incentives, as well as encourage their co-workers to do the same.You might also use promotional products to remind employees of a particular concept or aspect of your business. For example, a pen imprinted with the phrase “Buy two, get one free” or something similar might remind employees to always mention this discount to clients.

9. Build B2B relationships

Much like average people, companies are very likely to take notice of free business gifts. If the promotional product you give to a business is something that’s frequently used in an office environment, it’s bound to serve as a reminder of your company’s goodwill.Thus, when forming and maintaining partnerships with distributors, vendors or other organizations, a gift can go a long way.

Conclusion

Promotional gifts are a cost-effective and dependable way to give your company advantages in the business world. No matter what industry you’re in, it’s a good idea to incorporate a business gift into your marketing strategy.